Marcus Rashford’s versatility keeps dream move alive as INEOS face test of transfer priorities – report

Marcus Rashford’s transfer links to Barcelona refuse to fade anytime soon.

For much of the past week, his potential switch to Camp Nou appeared in doubt, with the La Liga champions prioritising Nico Williams to fill their left-wing vacancy.

However, as per reports relayed by The Peoples Person, Manchester United’s number 10 still believed a move to Barcelona was possible.

The Englishman was said to be assuring the Hansi Flick-led side that he was willing to make sacrifices to help facilitate the deal on his end.

Barcelona reassess Rashford after personal assurances

Those declarations may have influenced key decision-makers in Catalonia.

Reports from Spain suggest Barcelona are now weighing up a move for Rashford, even as they look to finalise the Williams deal.

Hansi Flick wants an elite forward line. He envisions an attacking trio of Williams, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, but with Lewandowski entering the twilight of his career, he knows a capable alternative is essential.

That potential alternative is the ever-versatile Rashford, who has repeatedly proven himself a reliable source of goals on his day.

Spanish sources (as exemplified by Fichajes) claim Flick is particularly impressed with Rashford’s ability to play across the front line. However, he does not view him as a rival to either Williams or Yamal but rather as a striker who can lead the line.

Could Barcelona afford a permanent Rashford deal?

With their well-known financial limitations, Barcelona are unlikely to authorise a permanent move.

They are said to favour a loan without an obligation to buy, with Manchester United covering part of the salary.

Given that INEOS reportedly prefers a permanent transfer worth £40 million, it remains to be seen whether they would consider another loan, particularly one without an obligation to make the transfer permanent.

INEOS needs to boost United’s transfer kitty

United are targeting player sales to help fund summer reinforcements.

Rashford is viewed as a valuable asset, and with his desire to fulfil a long-held Barcelona dream, the club may have to weigh sentiment against strategic planning if a loan offer does come in.

Still, Barcelona’s continued interest should be seen as encouraging. It keeps hope alive for a graceful departure, one that could prevent backlash once Matheus Cunha takes the number 10 shirt.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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